Does having a drug or alcohol abuse problem impact a person’s ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits? In most cases, yes. However, there are exceptions. Around 20 years ago, Congress put in place provisions that enable Disability and Determination Services to deny Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to claimants if they have drug or alcohol abuse problems. However, these types of denials are based on whether the claimant’s alcoholism or drug abuse is a “contributing factor” to his or her disability. Can I Lose My Disability Benefits If I Have a Drug or Alcohol Abuse Problem? 
Does having a drug or alcohol abuse problem impact a person’s ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits? In most cases, yes. However, there are exceptions. Around 20 years ago, Congress put in place provisions that enable Disability and Determination Services to deny Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to claimants if they have drug or alcohol abuse problems. However, these types of denials are based on whether the claimant’s alcoholism or drug abuse is a “contributing factor” to his or her disability.
Does having a drug or alcohol abuse problem impact a person’s ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits? In most cases, yes. However, there are exceptions. Around 20 years ago, Congress put in place provisions that enable Disability and Determination Services to deny Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to claimants if they have drug or alcohol abuse problems. However, these types of denials are based on whether the claimant’s alcoholism or drug abuse is a “contributing factor” to his or her disability.